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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Opus 2017-283: Adam Smith Rides Again

You may not like Adam Smith. You may not have read Wealth of Nations. You may not believe in the “invisible hand” or the butcher who gives you good cuts of meat because he is selfish. The guys at The Last Refuge have, even if they have not.

There is a good analysis of the President’s speech on Afghanistan. It is worth reading but the part that got my attention was in the next to last paragraph.

“The U.S. military is not the leverage, the military helps creates leverage. The leverage itself is economic. Financial interests are always the best leverage to use because inherent within the fundamental principles of economics is ‘self-interest’. Actions taken generate financial benefits; those benefits are direct and immediate to the interests of those generating the results.”

Trump is applying Adam Smith’s invisible hand. He is working to get countries like Pakistan to stand up against evil, not because we threaten them with our military might, but because it will work for them economically. Against military force they would plug in their machismo and dig in to prove they are men. When it comes to their pocket book they become all ears.